Accounting Software

Wave vs Exact Online

Both are accounting software. The short answer: choose Wave if you are very small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budget; choose Exact Online if you are dutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants.

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Wave logo WaveExact Online logo Exact Online
Best forVery small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budgetDutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants
Free planYesNo (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting SoftwareAccounting Software, ERP Software
Strengths
  • Free core invoicing and accounting
  • Simple to learn
  • Strong in Benelux tax rules
  • Modules for wholesale and manufacturing
  • Accountant collaboration
Watch out for
  • Best suited to US/Canada
  • Fewer integrations
  • Benelux focus
  • Modules add up in price
Visit WaveVisit Exact Online

Which should you choose?

Wave: Free-to-start invoicing and accounting for small businesses, with paid payments and payroll add-ons.

Exact Online: Cloud business software for accounting, invoicing, inventory and payroll, widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all accounting software compared.